cristell donett's List: securitydepo

  If you live in a unit where you get the utility bill for service which is also supplied to another unit, a laundry room, or garage, Civil Code Section 1940.9 requires that that landlord tell you about that when you rent the place and make some agreement about the distribution of the service expenses [like you pay 50%]. If the landlord doesn't do that, you can sue [even in small claims court] for a reimbursement of the portion used outside your unit, whatever that is. [Civil Code Section 1940.9(b)(2)]

ne of most important things to do when you leave an apartment (or other rental) is a walk through with the owner or property manager

Under  Civil Code Section 1950.5, the landlord can charge no more  than 2 months' rent for an unfurnished apartment as a security deposit, and 3 months for  a fully furnished unit. Within 21 days after you leave the  unit, the landlord must refund your full deposit, except for  limited deductions.